Layered rare-earth hydroxides: a new family of anion-exchangeable layered inorganic materials

The review summarizes the data on the chemical composition, crystal structure and functional properties of layered rare-earth hydroxides (LRHs), a new family of anion-exchangeable inorganic compounds. Comprehensive information is given on methods for the synthesis of LRHs including hydrothermal and hydrothermal-microwave treatment. Particular attention is paid to the methods of chemical design of hybrid functional materials based on LRHs. Prospects for fabrication of phosphors, heterogeneous catalysts and biomedical materials based on LRHs are analyzed.